Tripod system and locking mechanism

A tripod system comprising:

• a tripod including three extendable and retractable legs each comprising a first segment and a second segment, and a first connecting portion that connects the three legs;
• a locking mechanism for switching between
• (i) a released state in which each leg is extendable and retractable by moving the second segment relative to the first segment, and (ii) a locked state in which the second segment is fixed relative to the first segment;
• wherein each of the three legs is connected at one end to the first connecting portion so as to pivot about a central axis, and the angle formed with respect to the central axis is changeable by pivoting about the first connecting portion;
• wherein the first segment is positioned on the side of the first connecting portion relative to the second segment when the leg is extended;
• wherein the locking mechanism includes three elongated connecting arms each corresponding to one of the three legs, a second connecting portion that connects the three connecting arms, and a gripping portion provided on the second connecting portion;
• wherein each of the three connecting arms is connected at one end to the second connecting portion so as to pivot about the central axis, and connected at the other end to the corresponding leg, and the angle formed with respect to the central axis is changeable by pivoting about the second connecting portion;
• wherein when the angle formed by each connecting arm with respect to the central axis falls within a first range, the second segment is fixed, placing the leg in the locked state, and when the angle falls within a second range, the fixation of the second segment is released, placing the leg in the released state;
• wherein the gripping portion protrudes from the surface of the second connecting portion on the side of the first connecting portion.